The 3D is utilized sparingly throughout the game. As it would probably be too hectic, it is likely for the best that it is not included during the actual levels. However, the way it is used is about what you’d expect, considering Takaki’s reason for making the game in the first place. The main use of the 3D is in the various cutscenes between missions where characters talk, as well as the transformation sequences during the missions themselves. The transformations especially emphasize the 3D breasts, using jiggle physics that would make the Dead or Alive series proud. It is most prominent during the very purposeful close-ups when stripped down to a bikini during transformations.
While you would think that your character losing their clothes is just another tactic by Takaki to catch the eyes of certain segments of the market, there are actually good reasons for it happening in this game. In combat, your character will lose clothing throughout battle after being hit more and more. This weakens your character to where you take more damage over time, which makes the game harder as you continue to lose more clothing.
However, getting hit in combat isn’t the only way to lose your clothing. You also have the option before a level to enter Frantic Mode, by pressing L and R together. This instantly takes your character down to their bikini, but increases their speed and attack, while decreasing their defense immensely. On the opposite side of the spectrum, you can activate Shinobi Mode, after filling your skill meter in battle, by pressing the L button. This replenishes your health while also increasing your speed and strength in battle. On top of that, you will also have access to new attacks.
As you move through the game, you will come across numerous missions, some required for the main story and some that are only side missions. The first playthrough of the story missions will make you play as a specific girl, but allows for replay by any of the others after the fact. Each shinobi has their own high score indicator, so you will likely try to improve on your scores in replays by each one, another factor that helps to lengthen the game.
One of the best elements of the game is the level-up system that allows you to raise the level of each individual girl as you play through the game. The higher you level up, the stronger you become, which also allows you access to stronger abilities. As a result, it might be in your best interest to go back and replay older missions to help level-up your lower-leveled characters. In quite the odd comparison, you can almost play parts of the game like Pokemon where you wreck everything with your strongest character, while only using the others when you have to. Asuka became that character for me after awhile by becoming nearly unstoppable, as a result of using her for most of my side missions.
For the perfectionists at heart, Senran Kagura Burst offers a number of collectibles that you can obtain while playing through the game. These include pictures, music, and clothing. You can even unlock a variety of different accessories for your character, with more normal accessories like an eye patch to just outright strange ones like a piece of toast that you hold in your mouth, though nothing is too overly surprising in this game.
Senran Kagura Burst is quite the odd little game due to its high level of fanservice throughout. However, the combat makes you feel powerful and is a lot of fun, though it does get repetitive after awhile in long play sessions. Luckily, the number of different characters to play with and the ability to level-up each one helps to quell this issue. The combination of the original Senran Kagura game with another full game to make up Senran Kagura Burst leads to a lengthy experience that is well worth the $29.99 price on the eShop. You just may want to be careful about playing the game in public, if you do not want some awkward inquiries.
[Editor’s Note: Senran Kagura Burst was reviewed on the Nintendo 3DS platform. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]